murphyCeresin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Ceresin wax, Cerosin, Mineral wax
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from petroleum-based paraffin wax or mineral oil feedstocks through selective hydrocarbon processing. Produced by catalytic hydrogenation and refining of crude paraffin wax to increase purity and stability.
Ceresin. A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by the purification of ozocerite with sulfuric acid and filtration through bone black to form waxy cakes
CAS #
8001-75-0
Form
Wax
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Opacifying
Viscosity Controlling
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 205 and 935)
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 205)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 205)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
8 studies / 3 irritating / 1 mixed / 4 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 205)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on2–10%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR